Crown block



May 11, 1937. H, P, WICKERSHAM ET AL 2,079,725

CROWN BLOCK Filed Nov. 6, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 29 I a T2. T7:

fen 11v Bu /vs y 1937- H. PJWICKERSHAM ET AL 2,079,725

CROWN BLOCK Filed NOV. 6, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 /Z fol enfons HARE) Phckzzskam 00d y 1937- H. P. WICKERSHAM ET AL V 2,079,125

' CROWN BLOCK 1; Filed Nov. 6, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented May 11, 1937 CROWN BLOCK Harry Erwin Burns, Los Angeles, Calif. Application November 6, 1935, Serial No. 48,513

reduced elevation view of the other end of the crown block being a view taken as indicated by line 3--3 on Fig. 1. Fig. 4. is a reduced vertical detailed sectional view taken substantially as 6 Claims.

This invention relates to well drilling equipment and relates more particularly to a crown block for use on a well derrick. A general object of the invention is to provide a simple, practical and improved crown block.

Another object of this invention is to provide a crown block comprising a plurality of individual sections each section carrying a sheave and each section being capable of dependably carry ing the load imposed on its sheave.

Another object of this invention is to provide a sectional crown block of the character mentioned that may be readily built into a unit or crown block embodying as many sheaves as required for any particular installation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a practical crown'block that may carry or include large sheaves. Each section of the crown block of the invention carries only one sheave and, therefore, the sheaves may be large in diameter.

Another object a crown block for use of this invention is to provide on a well derrick that is very simple and easy to install. In mounting or arranging the crown block of the present invention on the top of a well derrick it isunnecessary to assemble any parts and it is only required that the several sections each carrying their individual sheaves be bolted together and secured to the water table of the derrick.

Another object of the invention is to provide a crown block of the character mentioned that is very inexpensive of manufacture. The individual sections carrying the main sheaves being identical and each comprising a simple, integral body or frame are inexpensive and provide for great economy in the construction of the crown block.

A further object of this invention is to provide a crown block in which the stresses of operation are better distributed than in typical crown blocks embodying long bearing pins or shafts each carrying several sheaves.

The various objects and features of our invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of typicalpreferred forms and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a side elevation of the crown block provided by this invention with a portion broken away to appear in vertical cross section. Fig. 2 is a reduced elevation view of one end of the crown block being a view taken substantially asindicated by line 2-2 on Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a indicated by line 4-4 on Fig. l. enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional P. 'Wickersham, Huntington Park, and

Fig. 5 is an view taken as indicated by line 5-5 on Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken as indicated by line 6-8 on Fig. 4. Fig. '7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken as indicated by line '|''i on Fig. 4, and Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view showing a form of the invention in which a secondary frame section is interposed between certain of the frame and sheave sections.

The crown block provided by this invention includes, generally, a plurality of sections A each carrying a sheave l and a section B carrying two sheaves II and 2.

The assembly of the sections A comprises the major or main portion of the crown block embodying the large sheaves In which carry the line running to the traveling block. The several sections A are identical in construction and design and each is individually supported on the derrick. In accordance with the invention there may be any desired number of sheave carrying sections A, the number of sections A depending upon the particular installation for which the crown block is required. As the several sections A are identical we will proceed with a detailed description of one section A, it being understood that this description isto apply to the several like sections A.

Each sheave carrying section A of the crown block includes a body or frame i l adapted to be arranged on the water table ortop of the derrick and operating to support a sheave It. The frame i4 is designed and shaped to. best carry the loads imposed on the sheave Hi.

In accordance with the invention the frame it is an integral or onepiece member comprising two upwardly convergent legs l and a substantially horizontal head It extending between and connecting the upper ends of the legs it.

The legs I5 and the head it are channel shaped in transverse cross section and have their open sides or channels ll facing inwardly. Openings or slots I8 are provided in the legs l5 and the head iii to facilitate the threading of the line tion A. Feet I9 are on the sheave iii of the seeare recessed as at 2!) to receive and properly seat on the upper webs of supporting beams 2|, or nings 22 may be provided in the provided on the legs l5 and feet l9 to pass bolts 23 for securing the frame M to the beams 2|.

The frame !4 of the section A includes webs extending across its interior to support the sheave it. Two pairs of spaced webs 24 extend diagonally downwardly and inwardly from the upper corners of the frame I4 and two pairs of spaced webs 25 extend diagonally upwardly and inwardly from the feet l9 or the lower ends of the legs l5. Spaced horizontal webs 26 extend inwardly from each frame leg i5. The webs 24, 25 and 25 are integral parts of the frame l4 and extend inwardly to integrally join bearing bosses 2?. The bosses 2? are parallel and spaced apart horizontally and are provided with aligned horizontal openings 28.

The sheave it of each section A is supported in the section frame Hi to carry a line or cable. The sheave it is received between the spaced sets of webs 24, 25 and 26 with its hub 29 received between the spaced bearing bosses 2i. The sheave I!) may be large in diameter to have its peripheral edge portion received in the channels ll of the legs l5 and the head IS. A suitable groove 3!] is provided in the periphery of the sheave I 0 to carry the line. The channels I? of the legs i5 and the head l6 receive the sheave l9 with suitable clearance and the legs and head assist in preventing the line or cable from jumping from the sheave.

The invention includes practical effective means for rotatably supporting the sheave I 8 in the section frame 54. A shaft or bearing pin 3! is arranged or supported in the openings 28 of the bosses 21. Screws 32 are threaded into openings 33 in the bosses 21 and cooperate with notches 34 in the pins 3! to hold the pins against movement. A hardened bushing 35 is arranged in the opening 36 of the sheave hub 29. An antifriction roller bearing 37 is interposed between the hardened bushing 35 and the bearing pin 3! to rotatably support the sheave ll] on the pin. The sheave hub as, the hardened bushing 35 and the end washers 38 of the bearing 3! are received between the spaced bosses 2? which hold them against endwise movement. The bearing pin 3i rotatably supporting the sheave it] may be tubular as illustrated in the drawings. The invention includes means for lubricating the rotatable mounting of the sheave IE3. The bearing pin 38 has a lubricant port discharging at its periphery. An opening 4! is provided in one of the frame bosses 21 and a lubricant conduit or pipe 42 extends through the opening 4| to conduct lubricant under pressure to the port 40. The lubricant pipe 42 extends to the outer side of a leg i 5 where it is provided with a grease gun fitting 43 or other suitable means for receiving lubricant under pressure. The lubricant supplied through the pipe 42 and the port 49 cffectively lubricates the rotatable mounting of the sheave H).

The several sections A constructed as just described are adapted to be arranged in side by side relation on the supporting beams 25 and are preferably connected together in the manner to be hereinafter described and with the section B constitute the crown block structure. The number of sections A embodied in the crown block may be varied to suit the particular installation. The sections A are preferably arranged on the beams 2! or other supports in side by side relation with their sheave supporting pins 3! in axial alignment.

The section B of the crown block includes the sheave H for carrying a line to be operated by a cat-head to handle objects and tools at the derrick floor and further embodies the sheave l 2 for carrying a line to be operated by the sand wheel for handling bailers and the like. The section B includes a body or frame 44 carrying the two sheaves H and I2.

The frame 44 is an integral structure comprising two upwardly convergent legs 45 and a substantially horizontal head 46 extending between and connecting the upper ends of the legs 45. The legs 45 and the head 46 are channel shaped and have their open sides or channels 4'! facing inwardly. Feet 48 are provided on the lower ends of the legs 45 and have their under sides recessed or shaped to properly seat on the upper webs of the beams 2|. Horizontally spaced intermediate or central bosses 49 are provided on the head 45. Webs 50 extend diagonally from the bosses 49 to join the legs 45 at their feet 48. Sets of spaced webs 5i extend diagonally downwardly and inwardly from the points of joinder of the legs 45 and the head 46 and join the webs 56 at spaced bosses 52. Horizontally spaced webs 53 extend between and connect the bosses 52. The section B may be arranged at either end of the assembly of the plurality of the sections A or may be interposed between any two adjacent sections A and its bosses 49 are substantially concentric with the bosses 2'! of the frames l4 when in proper position.

The sheave II is arranged in the frame 44 with its hub 54 concentric with one pair of bosses 52 and the sheave i2 is arranged in the frame 44 with its hub 54 between and concentric with the other pair of frame bosses 52. The sheaves H and I2 have suitable peripheral grooves 55 for carrying the lines and the legs 45 and the head 46 have openings or slots 56 to facilitate the threading of the lines on the sheaves H and I 2. The peripheral portions of the sheaves II and I2 extend into the channels 41 of the legs 45 and the head 46 so that the legs and head assist in preventing the lines from jumping from the sheaves.

The means for rotatably mounting the sheaves H and I2 in the frame 44 of the section may be similar to the means for rotatably mounting the sheaves H3. Tubular bearing pins 5'! are arranged in the openings 58 of the bosses 52. Plates or washers 59 are arranged against the outer sides of the bosses 52 to engage the outer ends of the pins 51 to prevent outward movement and displacement of the pins. Bolts 60 may be passed through openings El in the washers 59 and openings 62 in the webs 25 of the adjacent end section frame l4. Nuts 62 are threaded on the bolts Ell to clamp the bearing pins 5'! against endwise movement and to connect the web structure of the frame 44 with the web structure of the adjacent frame l4. Pins 53 are threaded into openings 54 in the bosses 52 and cooperate with notches 95 in the bearing pins 51 to lock the pins against turning and endwise movement. Hardened bushings 65 are arranged in the hubs 54 of the sheaves II and I2 and anti-friction roller bearings 66 may be interposed between the hardened bushings 65 and the bearing pins 51 to rotatably support the sheaves on the pins.

Means is provided for lubricating the rotatable supports or mountings of the sheaves H and H2. The lubricating means includes lubricant ports Bl in the bearing pins 57 discharging at the peripheries of the pins. An opening 68 is provided in one boss 52 of each pair of bosses and receives abutting sections.

a pipe 69. The pipes 69 conduct the lubricant under pressure to the ports 61. The pipes 69 extend to the outer sides of the legs where they are provided with grease gun fittings III or other suitable means for supplying them with lubricant under pressure.

The section B constructed as just described may be arranged at either end of the assembly of the sections A. In practice the sheaves II and I2 of the section B are considerably smaller in diameter than the sheaves ll! of the sections A and the section B may be appreciably smaller 'than the sections A, as illustrated throughout the drawings. The assembly of the plurality of sheave carrying sections A and the section B are preferably connected to form a single crown block structure. The means for connecting the assembly of the sections A of the section B comprises rods H passed through horizontal openings 12 in the legs I5 and horizontal openings 13 in the legs 45 of the section B. The legs l5 of the sections A and the legs 45 of the section B may have suitable bosses at the openings 12 and 13 to reinforce them and to slightly space the adjacent Nuts 1 are threaded on the opposite ends of the rods H to clamp the several frames M of the sections A together and to clamp the frame 44 of the section B against the frame [4 of the adjacent end section A. The means for connecting the assembly of the sections A and the section B may further include a rod 15 passed through an opening 16 in the head 46 of the frame 44 to extend through the aligned tubular bearing pins 31. A plate or washer 11 is arranged against the boss 21 at the other end of the crown block and the rod 15 passes through an opening in the washer 1?. Nuts 18 are threaded on the opposite ends of the rod to clamp together the several frames I4 of the sections A and to clamp the frame 44 of the section B against the frame l4 of the adjacent end section A. The rods described above assist in securing the section B to the adjacent end section A. The bolts 23 may be passed through the openings 22 in the feet of the frames l4 of the sections A and similar bolts 80 may be passed through openings 8| in the feet 48 of the frame 44 to secure the section B to the beams 2|. The sections A and the section B may be secured to the beams 2! either before or after the assembling and connecting of the several sections A and the section B by means of the bolts El and 15.

It is believed that the utility and practicability of the crown block provided by the present invention will be readily understood from the foregoing detailed description. The crown block comprising the multiplicity of like or identical sections A and the single section B is very simple and inexpensive of manufacture and is readily adaptable for various installations. The sections A are simple units each comprising an integral frame l4 and a single sheave H). The frames M are independent and each carries its own load as imposed on it by the sheave Ill. As the sections A each comprise a single sheave I0 the sheaves It may be large in diameter. The individual sections A and the section B may be independently assembled before their arrangement on the crown block so that the installation of the crown block does not require the assembling of any parts and. merely necessitates the attachment of the sections A and B to the supports or beams 21 and the bolting together of the several sections. The sheaves Ill and the sheaves II and I2 are independently supported for rotation by simple dependable mounting means. The bearing pins 3| and 51 each carry a single sheave and are supported at their opposite ends immediately adjacent the point of bearing of the sheaves so that the stresses imposed on them are evenly distributed and are directly imposed on the frames of the sections A and B. The section B carrying the sheaves l l and 12 may be mounted at either end of the assembly of the sections A as desired, or may be interposed between two adjacent sections A of the assembly. As the several sections A are identical the section B may be mounted at either end of an assembly of sections A comprising any number of sections. Each section A and the section B operates independently of the other sections to carry the load imposed on it and the crown block does not include complicated and expensive supports, etc. for carrying superimposed sheaves.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of our invention we do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to ourselves any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims:

Having described our invention, we claim:

1. A crown block including an assembly of a plurality of sections arranged in side by side relation, each section comprising a frame, and a sheave carried by the frame, and a section at one end of the assembly comprising a frame, and two sheaves carried by the frame.

2. A crown block including an assembly of a plurality of sections arranged in side by side relation, each section comprising a frame, and a sheave carried by the frame, the sections being arranged with their sheaves in axial alignment, and a section at one end of the assembly comprising a frame, and sheaves on the frame at opposite sides of the plane of the aligned sheaves.

3. A crown block comprising a plurality of identical sections, each comprising a frame, and a single sheave carried by the frame, the sections being arranged in side by side relation with their sheaves in axial alignment, and a section adapted to be arranged at either end of the assembly of the sections and comprising a frame, and spaced sheaves carried by the frame.

4. A crown block comprising a plurality of identical sections, each comprising a frame, and a single sheave carried by the frame, the sections being arranged in side by side relation with their sheaves in axial alignment, a section adapted to be arranged at either end of the assembly of the sections and comprising a frame, and spaced sheaves carried by the frame, and means for connecting the said sections and the section.

5. A crown block including a plurality of like sections, each section comprising a frame and a sheave rotatably supported by the frame, and a section interposed between two of the first named sections and comprising a frame, and spaced sheaves rotatably supported by the frame.

6. A crown block including a plurality of identical sections each comprising a frame, and a sheave carried by the frame, the sections being adapted to be arranged with their frames in aligned and side by side relation, and a section interposed between two of the first named sections comprising a frame and spaced sheaves carried by the frame.

HARRY P. WICKERSHAM. ERWIN BURNS. 

